The Fallout

By Diaz Mackie

10.08.2019  During a time when the NBA is trying to expand worldwide, the league has fallen out with it’s biggest contributor, China. Daryl Morey, the General Manager of the Houston Rockets on 10/4/19 tweeted, “fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” Much to the dismay of the Chinese government. 

   A league that has been in the forefront of social issues has backed down to China.  China, the NBA’s biggest market has cut off ties to the NBA following the tweet. Canceling NBA Cares events that were scheduled to be held in China this week between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. The actual preseason games between the two are still a go for now. The fallout has already effected the NBA financials & could cost them BILLIONS of dollars. 

   The Houston Rockets are a favorite amongst the NBA teams, due to one of their greatest players and Chairmen of the China league, Yao Ming. This relationship has been cultivated over twenty years, all to be dissolved over a tweet.

   NBA players personally have a lot to lose as well. Most of the stars of the NBA, spend parts of their summer in China promoting basketball and their own shoe deals. James Harden, star of the Houston Rockets, made a statement on Monday, 10/7/19 along with Russell Westbrook at his side saying, “We love China.” Former players like Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and current players like LeBron James and rookie sensation Zion Williamson, stand to lose a lot financially from this fallout. 

   The NBA has a fine line to tread. Attempting to support someone with in the organization, as well as trying to make a human rights stand and trying to salvage a financial business relationship with China. This is the second time China has had words with the NBA regarding their civil rights issues. The first time, China told the NBA to meddle in their affairs, when unarmed Blacks are being gunned down in this country. A touché if I’ve ever heard one. 

   With the NBA setting up leagues in Africa and potentially India, this could be a costly loss for the league. Daryl Morey has not been terminated and doesn’t appear that he will be, yet. Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA has not disavowed that statement made by Morey as well. However, the NBA is trying to make nice with China. 

   It will be interesting to see if the personal financial loss of star players will force them to cave on the humanitarian cause for the almighty dollar. Again, the NBA has been progressive up to this point. Forcing former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers to sell his team, after a tape was released of him making racial slurs. Supporting the players after the Eric Gardner murder, by allowing them to wear, “I Can’t Breathe” shirts during warmups. Most recently changing the title from “Owner” to “Governor” to avoid the any connection, or connotation to slavery. It will be interesting to see how the NBA handles this going forward, not just for the league, but also the players. 

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